Sad to hear of the passing of an icon in the African technology and innovation space. Prof Juma was one of the few who was able to bridge the gap between academia and practice when it came to issues of science, technology, and innovation on the African continent. In fact, my learnings from his work formed the fulcrum of my recent lecture at the University of Ibadan.

Though he was based at Harvard, Twitter was where many came to be in close contact with him as he was never shy of his opinions and would engage anyone about them.

A few months ago, I had complained to a mutual acquaintance that Prof Juma was yet to reply to an email request of mine and it was he who informed me of his ongoing battle with cancer.

His death makes it the second African academic mentor of mine to lose the cancer battle this year after Prof Mustapha Raufu of Oxford.

I pray God comforts his family and colleagues and that one day the continent that he dreamt of comes to be what it has the potential to be.

For those who are not familiar with his work, I would advise you follow him (posthumously) on twitter and google his papers and publications.

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About Idris Ayodeji Bello

Afropreneur & Partner, LoftyInc Ltd (Operators of the Wennovation Hub)
Leading expert in deploying technology and innovation to drive public sector reforms and enabling good governance.
Passionate about bringing about positive change in Africa through innovation and entrepreneurship!